Farming and Family Support to Prevent Sexual Health Risks in Young Women

Plain-English translation of NCT06953310 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a program called Shamba Maisha (which means 'farm life') can help protect young women from sexually transmitted infections and improve their health. The program gives families farming equipment and training, includes practical farming classes at school, and teaches young women and their caregivers how to communicate better about important health topics. Researchers want to see if reducing food insecurity and poverty through farming — combined with stronger family relationships — can prevent infections and improve overall well-being.

In Western Kenya, many young women face poverty and food insecurity, which puts them at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. While programs that help reduce poverty have shown promise, few have focused on farming or involved entire families. This trial tests whether this new approach can provide a sustainable, practical way to protect young women's health by addressing both their basic needs and their family relationships.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a young woman assigned female at birth, between 15 and 19 years old at enrollment
you are currently attending one of the participating schools and will remain enrolled for at least 18 more months
you do not currently have a sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy at the start of the study
you have an adult caregiver willing to participate with you
your household experiences food insecurity and/or malnutrition, and has access to farming land and nearby water sources

You likely don't qualify if…

you have difficulty hearing or understanding instructions in a way that would prevent you from participating fully
you do not speak Dholuo, Kiswahili, or English
you are married or serve as the head of your household
you are currently pregnant at the time of screening

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you and your primary caregiver will be assigned to either receive the Shamba Maisha program right away or to a comparison group that receives it later. The program involves receiving farming equipment (like water pumps and seeds), learning to farm at a school demonstration plot, and attending family sessions where you and your caregiver practice better communication and discuss health topics. You will complete surveys and health testing (including tests for infections) at the start, during, and after 18 months of participation to help researchers understand how the program affects your health and well-being.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Kenya

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu

Key details

Sponsor

University of California, San Francisco

Collaborators

Kenya Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Enrollment target

~900 participants

Started

May 2025

Primary completion

May 2028

Age range

15 Years and older

Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in April 2026.

Contact the research team directly

Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.

Central contact

Rachel L Burger, MHS

University of California, San Francisco

Interested in joining?

Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov